what do you think about Chirstaian book store?

I was at Church yesterday, and thought hit me what should a Chirstain book store look like if it was bring the greatest glory to God? Even a book store can be a ministry, or is it just a job?
The ones that I have went into, seens they have been sold out to the world. It seens they are more about making money then being worried about what books they are selling. It made me think, what books would I have in the store? Could I stand there and sell a book to a brother and sister a book I myself would never read? I don't know If I could sleep at night knowing I sold books that were full of lies and where hurting them. A preach dosn't hand out book that go against what he is preaching. It would hurt him in trying share Chirst, So what is the differnce in a book store? and if they are selling these books, because this what people wnat to read or they have poor choices? so my question if you had a book store what would it look?
in his love
charlene

My Christian book store would probably carry all sorts of books. It would be hard for people to grow and learn about the world if they only read books written with a Christian's interpretation of things.

An example would be: a Christian writing a book about Islam. I would much rather read a book written by a Muslim to understand Islamic belief, than read a book written by someone who is not a Muslim.

As far as Christian books that are off the path; I think it would be tough to leave those sorts of books out.

What examples do you guys have of books that are technically "Christian," but really aren't?

If I had a book titled "10 ways to use God to get rich quick," I would leave it off the shelf.

Yeah, I hardly do any shopping at the Christian bookstores where I live. A big part of it is that they seem to be in it more for the money, then the ministry. Many of their things are massively overcharged (but that is the way it seems to go in the Christian industry).

Also, when a "Christian" Store sells, "Christian" My Little Ponies, Scripture candy, and Prayer of Jabez and WWJD stones, there is something wrong. Also, (and I hope to not offend any Catholics) but when a "Christian" store sells prayer beads, pictures, statues, and sayings dedicated to "Blessed Mary," it completely deters any interest of supporting that place.

{{edited}}

We have a small book store at my local church. (not me, but the church) People know they can trust most of what is on the shelf vs. having to go somewhere else to find a good book.

We only have books and music.

Also, in the meantime of these (Christian)stores selling large amounts of spiritually unprofitable books, their "classics" section is offensively small and without many wonderful, God fearing authors.

The so called Christian book stores today are symptomatic of how wordly the church has become. They exist because they succeed at turning a profit. All the junk they sell is there because it does indeed sell. America is obsessed with materialism.

Because Christians are no longer lead to an intimate personal relationship with the Father and Son, the void in their hearts remains. Purchasing endless books, knick knacks, wall hangings ad infinitum is an attempt to fill that void. Sad isn't it?

I would love to have a bookstore filled with nothing but the classics. I'd have as much puritan writings as I could find, as well as Murray, Tozer, Torrey etc etc. Unfortuneately, such a store would go into bankruptcy.

Deep heavy sigh,

Doug

I have had a desire to start a Christian bookstore for a long time and even did a bit of it online for a while.

I was sick of the junk available, fluff, watered down and just plain heresy.

I started a web site with most of the authors titles available on SI and more. I also sold on Ebay. I did pretty well, but not enough to make a living with, plus my husband didn't have a vision for it, so wouldn't allow me to pay the money I needed to get on some search engines, so I ultimately closed it up. So I don't get a bunch of rebukes, my husband wanted me to do it, but didn't want to put much into it.

I was amazed when a local owner of a Christian Bookstore wanted me to buy her store, she said she didn't want to do what she needed to do to stay in business, she would have to bring in books on the Holy Spirit. She also said she never read the books in her store she prefered the fiction section in Books A Million.

She had almost nothing worth reading in her store, she did have Bibles. However it was all the popular prosperity big name preachers. I didn't even want her stock. There was nothing I would sell. She said she didn't agee with their teachings but you had to have them to run a bookstore. I couldn't run that kind of a bookstore.

A large church I attended also had a bookstore that had worthwhile books to purchase at reasonable prices.

I think it is a shame to sell junk.

John173 wrote:
The so called Christian book stores today are symptomatic of how wordly the church has become. They exist because they succeed at turning a profit. All the junk they sell is there because it does indeed sell. America is obsessed with materialism.

Because Christians are no longer lead to an intimate personal relationship with the Father and Son, the void in their hearts remains. Purchasing endless books, knick knacks, wall hangings ad infinitum is an attempt to fill that void. Sad isn't it?

I would love to have a bookstore filled with nothing but the classics. I'd have as much puritan writings as I could find, as well as Murray, Tozer, Torrey etc etc. Unfortuneately, such a store would go into bankruptcy.

Deep heavy sigh,

Doug

It's so sad, but true. It's so depressing to see how reliant Christianity has become on materialism. "The Church" is so screwed up in the area of money that it has become a second god, quite contradictary to Scripture!

This brings to mind Jesus reaction to the moneychangers selling sacrifices in the temple. It also reminds me of purchasing indulgances that will reduce your or a loved ones time in "purgatory". Good grief, mankind will buy into just about anything!

You know.... I was just thinking about this just now...

Does anyone see the irony with putting WWJD on a little stone and then selling it for several dollars?

What Would Jesus Do? Well, He certianly wouldn't carve WWJD on a little stone and then sell it.

WWJD was a fad where I come from. It isn't around anymore.

What I thought was funny about it was the fact that youth weren't taught about being led, but instead, taught to think about what Jesus would do.

so I have a aother question.
There are many ministry that are supported by
people who faithfuly support them. Could there not be a ministry, on line that had books, video , wedsite and such, for Chirstain to buy. Having all the great preacher of the past and day. Just like our sister started a while ago? If there where those who came together and help put it together, it could happen. If God can support missionary, He could allow this to be supported to. You are right there lots who love the worlds waterd down junk. Somtimes I wonder if the evil puts fear in our hearts, telling it can't be done. YOu know I think he is right. Who wants to buy good books? But I know honors the man you stands for hoilness. So maybe with manm it would close, but with God he make it happen? but there are still those who are seeking and wanting God is more real ways.
I pray that there could be somthing like that started again. Lord knows how we truth! America is so lost. With man it may be impossiable but with God with can be done.
Maybe we should pray for these book stores in our towns, I think I am going to go there and pray for those going in and out. Oh that we might pray. Maybe I could go in and prayer over the wrong teacher, I don't know. My heart is weak, when I think how so little people really don't want God. WE must pray.
I love what you had to say
in his love charlene

I agree WDJD, I don't think he would do that.
in his love
charlene

free2bee63 wrote:

What I thought was funny about it was the fact that youth weren't taught about being led, but instead, taught to think about what Jesus would do.

Yup. It's such a shame.

This would make a great book title -
CHRISTIANITY: FOR FUN & PROFIT

Hi everyone.

We have a bookstore downtown that I go to every so often called CLC, which I think stands for [i]Christian Literature Crusade[/i]. I was surprised to see some of the books and authors I had heard about here on SI represented there.

I have three books from the store:

Rees Howells, Intercessor, by Norman Grubb

Praying Together for True Revival by Jonathan Edwards

and a book published anonymously called The Kneeling Christian

Some of the titles and authors I've seen there:

War on the Saints

An abridged version of The Christian in Complete Armor

books by E.M. Bounds, Andrew Murray, Watchman Nee, biographies of those who we read about here and others...

and just recently I saw [i]Why Revival Tarries[/i], by Leonard Ravenhill there. I thought that was pretty neat!

Chris

I would love to open a chain of bookstores that sold [i]all[/i] the Puritan classics (including the more obscure Puritans and the older, out-of-print editions) along with complete editions of Spurgeon, Tozer, Bounds, Ravenhill, Moody, Wesley, Booth, Finney, etc. All the old school guys, everything they wrote. Complete collections of Charles Wesley's Hymns, Watts, Doddridge...

Basically, the bookstore version of SermonIndex.

Ah, just wishful thinking. At least then I could take my dear unsaved Buddhist brother with me and not be embarrassed. I wouldn't have to worry about hearing him laugh, "What a joke your religion is" as he looked at all the stupid Christian rock groups and glamshot faces on the books.

Oh, that the church would wake up.

Brother Paul

PaulWest wrote:
I would love to open a chain of bookstores that sold [i]all[/i] the Puritan classics (including the more obscure Puritans and the older, out-of-print editions) along with complete editions of Spurgeon, Tozer, Bounds, Ravenhill, Moody, Wesley, Booth, Finney, etc. All the old school guys, everything they wrote. Complete collections of Charles Wesley's Hymns, Watts, Doddridge...

Basically, the bookstore version of SermonIndex.

if you need "workers" in your company send me a message brother :-) , what a job!

edit : cant think of a better job lol.... talk about the puritans work whit customers, would have been nice :-) but but, reality looks different....

but, reality looks different....

Yes, brother. The reality is that the church wants TBN and anointed hankerchiefs and mystical trinkets from the Holy Land and 7 steps-to-wealth and debt-free success. The church doesn't want the purity of Wesley and Doddridge - it wants the Newsboys and Skillet. The church doesn't want Baxter - it wants Benny.

This is why I think that any Sermonindexesque Christian bookstore couldn't exist but online. The commercial property lease alone would bring you under in less than six months.

the saddest thing is the majority of books in Christian book shops is just a reflection of christianity....

in the bookshop in town here in Sweden where i live, i found about three worth buying! i was somewhat depressed, when looking at the availability in English, still you have the puritans....even if they are not on the top 20 list, in my languge.... its only Benny and the rest of the "give me money" preachers, but i found a second hand bookstore :-)

ohh what treasures!! I'm like a child on christmas... these old books! some more then 150 years old, sold at the price that i could buy 20 of these old classics for one new crap book.... thank you Lord!

and of course SI and internet...but still there is something with sitting whit a book,,,,,

Yeah, I haven't read the book.... but I have seen some tv clips of his preaching where he was preaching off of his book. It all leaves a really bad taste in my mouth. I wonder where preachers come up with these cauchamamy ideas. Certianly not from Scripture!

some more then 150 years old, sold at the price that i could buy 20 of these old classics for one

Yes, Christian. Christian books and music are the opposite of wine and paintings in terms of appreciating value. Normally, the older the book the cheaper it is. I've found E.M. Bounds classics for like $1 in bargain bins. This, no doubt, is of God. I once found a dog-eared, faded version of William Bridge's "A Lifting Up For The Downcast" for mere pocket change at a used bookstore. Nobody wants these old books. Compare this to how heathen folk value their older books. Great value is placed on the perennial classics, on the masterpieces. But for the Christian? No. We do the opposite. We undervalue our classics and toss them in the cheap, bargain clear-out bins. I've seen Spurgeon in there for a dollar. I've seen Murray. I've seen Pink. And that's if the bookstore even [i]carries[/i] those authors! You ask some of the workers if they have anything by R.M. McCheyne and watch their repsonse.

I found the [i]complete[/i] writings of Andrew Murray on prayer for five bucks next to a considerably more expensive Joyce Meyer book. And the Andrew Murray edition was 3-times the size of Meyer's book in terms of content! Incredible!

How do you explain this phenomenoa?

Brother Paul

How do explain this phenomenoa?

Brother Paul

i don't know? but for one dollar for E.M. Bounds classics , that buy can make you transform that dollar into a great treasure in heaven.....

i was depressed because i come to SI and some other sites read the puritans and other as such, even as my English is OK, and i understand quite well almost everything i read except some words here or there in the older style of English, but in my language nothing! i found one book by tozer, Pursuit of God, wonderful, that little book made me so happy i could cry, but then to find books by Spurgeon, Finney, A.B Simpson, all of Torreys books, and many biographies of all the great men, some of wesleys and at such a low price! its truly wonderful, one could actually get a minor library of the great classics very cheap...

i LOVE second hand :-), but there are some good publisher in English nowdays, i like banner of truth, but the problem for me is the way i lived before coming to Christ has made me not credit worthy so its hard to "order" from these, but the Lord find ways :-)

but for one dollar for E.M. Bounds classics , that buy can make you transform that dollar into a great treasure in heaven

Yes, I remember when I bought the book, it was one dollar and along with it was Whitall-Smith's "The Christian's Secret to a Happy Life" for a dollar also. I bought them both for a Christmas present for my brother-in-law. Those two books [i]alone[/i] are worth a million dollars! On another occassion I came across T. Austin Sparks' "God's Spiritual House" for a dollar. I grabbed it and thanked the Lord!

I always tell Christians to check the bargain bins. That's where you'll find the gold. In the garbage dump, outside the camp.

Having worked in retail, my take on Christian bookstores is that just like any other outlet that sells literature and media, it will always be left to the customer's discretion regarding what they are and not to buy.

(Here's a tip: Go to amazon.com and follow the prompts until you get Christian books. Select "Sort by Bestselling". Okay? Take a look at the list - if need be, stay calm and breathe deeply - as the titles shouldn't really surprise you. Now, select "Sort by avg customer review".)

At the end of the day (IMHO), the Christian Retailer is a provider, not a censor. The latter (ideally) is the job of pastors and teachers within the local church.

In general, this is what I look for in a Christian bookstore whenever I desire to become a "frequent shopper":

1. Who does the bookstore cater to? Does it have materials for new believers (discipleship, spiritual growth etc.) through to your own pastor (lexicons, dictionaries, commentaries, etc.)?

2. What is the relationship between the store and the churches within the surrounding area? Does it operate under a church itself, or is it independant?

3. Do the staff display genuine Christian integrity in their work? In other words, when you step into the store, do you sense that same sense of connection as when you are with those in your regular fellowship?

4. Is there a bias when it comes to secondary doctrinal distinctives? Does the stock create sufficient balance when when it comes to issues that may cause debate so that you can select materials from both sides of an argument? Also, when you approach the counter, does the retail assistant express any visible sign of disapproval regarding your selection? (This once happened when I bought six copies of "Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God" in Evangelistic-booklet format).

5. If a title you desire is not in stock, is the store willing to order it for you? How open is the store with regards to saying what they do and don't have?

Also, when you approach the counter, does the retail assistant express any visible sign of disapproval regarding your selection? (This once happened when I bought six copies of "Sinners In the Hands of an Angry God" in Evangelistic-booklet format).

Funny! I also bought a copy of SITHOAAG in a thinline, booklet format. It was on the "reduced-price/sale" table and there were a whole stack of them. There were also a bunch of the "Autobiography of George Mueller"s and some other priceless findings.

Funny that the retail person gave you a look of disapproval! I haven't experienced that one yet. I try not to pay attention to facial distinctions...though I can sense skepticism at times when I bring a Wigglesworth book up to the counter.

Good pointers you've provided. Thank you!

Brother Paul

Dear hmmhmm,

How about if you send us an address and we send you some books worth reading? I will ask for your address pm and send some out.

And ya'll, do not forget eBay! If I see a book I may want, I hurry onto eBay and if they do not have it you can go to www.bookfinder.com. What makes this nice is it can be done in the comfort of your home without spending any gas, tires and much time - sometimes. :-P

ginnyrose

Ginny, thanks for that webpage, I searched for a book I'd been looking for for years and found it on the first try (for only 16$ after shipping) thanks!

BTW, just so people know, the book I was searching for (and found) was 'The Last Days Ministries Collection' and there are several more copies on the bookfind page already listed.

I work in a Christian ministry that works with other Christian ministries... I call a lot of people and rarely recieve a call back.

When I worked in the insurance industry it was common courtesy to call someone back if they left a message, even if you weren't interested in what they said. In fact my company enforced a four hour call back rule; call back in four hours no excuses.

It gets really frustrating some times when the secular world seems more 'genuine' than the Christin culture.

I was playing around with a way to say that without making it accusatory towards everyone =P

But frankly I feel that people were at an entirely different level of courtesy and respect in the insurance industry... when I talk with Christian organizations they're 'nice' but not necessarily courteous. That is the crux of my observation.

Maybe we think how silly it would be to have the book store that everyone is talking about. But is it? What if it was MINISTRY and not a store to make money. There got to be people standing up for the holy things! WE must stand for truth.
maybe it has to start with prayer. That people will hunger this, and have eyes opened to the lies. But shouldn't we speak out! Pray and pray more, besides saying that just the way it is, oh well. We are called to action.
How can you fight for our nation and stand for Hoilness?
in his love
charlene

Charlene,

You are really asking some great questions. They sound simple, but they are hard to answer.

I had to think a bit about my ideal Christian book store, knowing that even Christian's have to make a living.

You know, the first thing I would do is dedicate the store to God.

The second thing is, if I was going to have a book store, I would sell books, not knicknacks. If I wanted to have a variety store, it would have to be next door.

And the third thing I would do is try to get one copy of every good Christian book written, new and used, carry all the best bible software, have loads of DVD's of Christian movies, particularly for children, and I would specialize in getting books and Bibles for children and teens.

Then I would plant the store nearby to several churches, and put an outlet inside each church - they're so worldly these days, I imagine I could talk them into it for a fee.

And then I would ask God to help me plant His Word, and books about the Word into all the right people. And of course, I would advertise.

God won't do all the work, you know. 8-)

Blessings,

P.S. The best Christian Bookstore I've ever been to is run by a retired pastor. And he knows his books, inside and out! Alas, economics requires knicknacks and t-shirts, as well as framed pictures with quotes. Still, it's a good store!

KrispyKrittr wrote:

(and no... I'm not saying we should pray for Christian bookstores to go out of business...)

Krispy

Oh...? But why not!? ;-)

(and no... I'm not saying we should pray for Christian bookstores to go out of business...)

lol :lol:

a brother that was new in the faith and i were parked outside of a "Christian" bookstore. He had only been saved for a few months, but after having come out of the store he was very discouraged. Right there he began to pray that either the owner of the store would be revived in the faith, or that God would shut the place down. I didn't know what to say... except, AMEN!

well, first of all: good questions... i feel that those who are for us cannot be against us, including the christian bookstore. there is valuable literature, cd's,tracks, knick-knacks{which make great gifts}, and most importantly the word of GOD; HIS HOLY BIBLE!!!we've become so quick to judge everything and try to disect all matters under the sun we have began to lose our way. just as religious groups refer to the HOLY BIBLE and claim this is right or this is wrong, we ourselves have fallen under the same!i remember when i was apart from GOD and in DEEP SIN, i had no conscious of anything of GOD. to bring forth accusations against one of GODS resource wells is simply wrong! we all know we are to come out from among them{world} and be seperate....right? just remember as we view others and judge their walk with GOD we too will be judged more severely! not everyone who has called on the LORD has immediately came into spiritual maturity it sometimes takes more time for some and lesser for others. please do not take this as an attack, i just beliece we need to look at people: especially our brothers and sisters in the LORD with the fuits of the spirit GOD has so generously gave to us!galations 5:16-26 Galations 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy,peace,patience,kindness,goodness,faithfulness,gentleness,and self control.

God is really cool...

I have received similar answers to prayer! It's so amazing! :-D

A few friends and i during a time of street witnessing, felt God's leading that we should pray that He would close down a certain bar. Two weeks later, it was closed!

God is amazing!

Thanks for sharing that testimony brother!

GBantzJr wrote:
there is valuable literature, cd's,tracks, knick-knacks{which make great gifts.

not everyone who has called on the LORD has immediately came into spiritual maturity it sometimes takes more time for some and lesser for others.

"knick-knacks," such as rocks inscribed with WWJD, Jabez, and other fads that are created.... such as t-shirts with the Burger King logo, except it says King of Kings - do not help someone's spiritual maturity. In fact, I dare say that it can prolong their immaturity. These kinds of things do not help someone's growth in the Lord. If you want to give gifts that represent a Christian message, do so wisely with something that can actually help in someone's growth.

i believe partially what you say Ben. i guess if the others would see more Jesus in us, then this wouldn't be a topic, huh? those items you brought forth such as t- shirts are nothing more than a witness. i believe we are to encourage one another as believers. i didn't mean for this to be a debate, because it usually produces absolutely nothing. i am sorry you feel so strongly against what i had to say. forgive me brother if i have offended you in any way. GOD BLESS, Greg

what power in prayer. I think we should start praying over more stores like that. Wow that is so neat. Keep praying God will act. I even we should pray over the Chirstain book stores. May we truly be peopel of action. May we listen to God's heart crys and cry out to. Thank you brother for sharing.

SO my question is what store do we have in our towns that we should be praying over?
Aother question, what is keeping us? busy? I don't know, for me I just don't think about it.

Aother question, If we know these book stores are bad, should we buy books from there?

not saying boycot them, but why support something that is helping speard lies?

What actions can we take? We can't just give up can we?

I agree that we need to reading the bible alot more. but other books still help.

In his love
charlene

GBantzJr wrote:
i believe partially what you say Ben. i guess if the others would see more Jesus in us, then this wouldn't be a topic, huh? those items you brought forth such as t- shirts are nothing more than a witness. i believe we are to encourage one another as believers. i didn't mean for this to be a debate, because it usually produces absolutely nothing. i am sorry you feel so strongly against what i had to say. forgive me brother if i have offended you in any way. GOD BLESS, Greg

You did not offend me, dear brother, but there are ways we can be a true witness, without doing things that I personally feel are stupid. Wearing a t-shirt that has a Burger King logo that says King of Kings instead, is not a witness. Neither is "Jesus Is My Homeboy" a witness either.

I have never ever heard of someone getting saved by a WWJD stone, or a t-shirt that says, "ABREADCRUMB & FISH" I also don't typically hear of people asking Christians who wear these shirts, what it says, and then the Christian explaining all about Christ, and HIS saving, redeeming blood.

Plus some of these "knick-knacks" such as a little statue of the "Blessed Mary" with a halo around her head, is not something a "CHRISTIAN" bookstore should be carrying and selling. :-(

Here is a question we can all ponder, as I heard this recently:

Why do we Christians label inaminate, non-living, non-breathing objects, 'Christian' (i.e. Christian bookstore, Christian shirt, Christian cd, Christian book, etc.)? If Christian means to be Christ-like in how we live, act, and respond, how can an object, that can't do any of these things be "Christian?"

Any thoughts on what this person said? Do you agree or disagree?

KrispyKrittr wrote:
Excellent question, Ben. I think the answer as it pertains to this discussion is that it is a description of the market they are trying to reach (meaning sell to) with their products.

Krispy

So instead of saying "Christian" should one say "religious?"

I.E. Religious bookstore, religious cd, etc. A definition of religious means "pertaining to religion."

Just throwing this out to spur on the question this guy posed...

Why do we Christians label inaminate, non-living, non-breathing objects, 'Christian' (i.e. Christian bookstore, Christian shirt, Christian cd, Christian book, etc.)? If Christian means to be Christ-like in how we live, act, and respond, how can an object, that can't do any of these things be "Christian?"

Maybe we think by wearing these things or haveing them will help us live, act and respond like Christ like. But how are these object that we hang on our walls, and other little things help us to be Christ like?

In his love
charlene

awakenwithin wrote:
Why do we Christians label inaminate, non-living, non-breathing objects, 'Christian' (i.e. Christian bookstore, Christian shirt, Christian cd, Christian book, etc.)? If Christian means to be Christ-like in how we live, act, and respond, how can an object, that can't do any of these things be "Christian?"

Maybe we think by wearing these things or haveing them will help us live, act and respond like Christ like. But how are these object that we hang on our walls, and other little things help us to be Christ like?

In his love
charlene

Great thought! :-D

But how are these object that we hang on our walls, and other little things help us to be Christ like?

A fair question, but there is at least this scripture to show a link between what is in our hearts and what is hung on our walls.

"And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

Much of the Thomas Kinkaid fuzzy religous stuff is perhaps woefully inadequate taken by itself...but it isn't so bad, even if only the most superficial part of a loving Christian home environment.

There is much pablum in Christian retail today for sure, but I'm not sure I would pray for their closure in the same way I would pray for the demise of an adult bookstore. I actually see them as a healthy sign that there is still a healthy interest in Christian spirituality in America. It could be worse...we could be living in China or Europe where there is nary a Christian bookstore to be found.

Inspite of the poor quality of modern materials being made today there is still much good to be found in the Christian bookstore. For instance, the videos for family are a much better substitue over network programming. Even secular children's programming is becoming nothing more then early lessons in materialism and narcisism. (I realize many Sermon Indexers are beyond all forms of entertainment, but Christian programming sure comes in handy with children.)

It may be that the posters of Sermon Index are by their very nature, more contemplative and deep searching then the general church market. I have found that my own desire to dig deeper into the older writers is as much a reflection of my personality as it is my walk with Christ. If I wasn't reading Oswald Chambers, perhaps my old man would be reading some pagan philosopher. Conversely I know many fine Christians who have barely read Oswald Chambers but they still demonstrate much spiritual dept even if they are not very articulate in letter. And if they should ever want to find Oswald Chambers, Amy Carmichael, Ray Comfort, George Whitefield, Andrew Murray...all of their precious books can be readily found very cheap in the local Christian bookstore and all subsidized by the pricier glossier stuff.

Perhaps the glass is half full. ;-)

MC